Of the two certain things in life, only taxes can actually have an upside.

Now, we’re about to give you so much information about car refinancing, tax refunds and related information, that we’re putting the necessary disclaimer legalese right up front for this blog post:

DISCLAIMER: These statements are informational suggestions only and should not be construed as legal, accounting, or professional advice, nor are they intended as a substitute for legal or professional guidance. Please consult a tax professional.

As we mentioned in a post earlier this year, you can think of your car loan as a financial instrument, just like a credit card (where you owe the financial institution) or a savings account (where the financial institution owes you). And at this time of year, when you may either may owe taxes or are due a refund, it’s good to know as much as you can about your financial situation.

For example, did you know that you could use tax refunds and car loans to your advantage in different ways?

If you receive a tax refund this year, you can pay all or part of it directly to your auto lender, on the principal of your car loan, and therefore bring the final payment date closer. This simply means that you are using the money to decrease the overall amount owed. This does not affect your monthly payment, but it does mean that you fewer payments overall, since you paid down some of the principal loan amount owed earlier than you would have otherwise.

~OR~

Refinance your auto loan with a lender that handles refinancing (such as RoadLoans), then pay part or all of your refund to the lender to decrease the overall principal amount owed, which may result in lower monthly payments. This may or may not affect the total number of payments you ultimately make, but since you are restructuring the loan with a new financial institution, and starting with a lower initial principal, you may receive a benefit.

]]>http://roadloans.com/blog/tax-time-and-refinancing-the-basics/feed/0022415 RL Tax time and refinancing - the basics - featuredsonnybynumtax timeAnd the Academy Award for Best Car goes to …http://roadloans.com/blog/and-the-academy-award-for-best-car-goes-to/
http://roadloans.com/blog/and-the-academy-award-for-best-car-goes-to/#commentsFri, 20 Feb 2015 21:15:09 +0000http://roadloans.com/?p=15085Read More]]>Wouldn’t it be great if they really had an award for that? Give it some time. They probably will, eventually.

Here are our picks for the greatest movie cars of all time.

Patton (1970)

Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, “Patton” is a biographical war film about U.S. Army Gen. George S. Patton (George C. Scott), and takes place during World War II. “Patton” won seven Academy Awards, including best picture.

Photo: coacheshotseat.com. George C. Scott as General Patton, in his 1942 Dodge WC-57 Command Car.

Not all Army transport jeeps were of the Willys marque. When you had to carry something heavy, like a General’s ego, it took something closer to a three-quarter ton truck. Absolutely authentic to the vehicle that transported the esteemed general in the African and European theaters of war, the movie showed the 1942 WC-57 Dodge Command Car with the general himself aboard.

It Happened One Night (1934)

This early “talkie” romantic comedy was the first movie to win all five major Academy Awards: best picture, director, actor, actress, and screenplay.

The inimitable Claudette Colbert, in a scene in which she and co-star Clark Gable’s characters are hitchhiking, uses unorthodox attention-getting tactics to hail ride from a driver played by Alan Hale (the Skipper from Gilligan’s Island), who slams on the brakes of his 1924 Ford Model T.

The Godfather Part II (1974)

The “Godfather Part II” is the second installment of three in an American crime epic. Produced and directed by Francis Ford Coppola from a screenplay co-written with Mario Puzo, it stars Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. The film was a huge critical success, winning the Oscar for best picture, and being nominated for a total of eleven Academy Awards.

The 6C 2500 Freccia d’Oro seen in the above scene was the first car built by Alfa Romeo after World War II, and seeing it destroyed by bombing was sad and painful, though not nearly as much as seeing Michael Corleone lose his beloved wife, Apollonia.

The Hurt Locker (2008)

Not released in the United States until 2009, this tense war drama was eligible for the 82nd Academy Awards, where it received nine nominations, winning in six categories, including best picture.

In the scene above, the main characters are driving through the Iraq desert in perhaps the most iconic vehicle currently in the military’s fielded stable, the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV), commonly known as the Humvee. It is produced by AM General, and inspired the designs of the GM Hummer SUV series.

Driving Miss Daisy (1989)

“Driving Miss Daisy” is an American comedy-drama directed by Bruce Beresford, starring Morgan Freeman and Jessica Tandy. In 1990, “Driving Miss Daisy” received nine Academy Award nominations, winning in four categories, including best picture.

“Driving Miss Daisy” was a classic car lover’s dream film, featuring some of the most beautiful sedans and coupes of the 1950’s and 1960’s, but we’re going to take a moment to point out our favorite: the 1955 Cadillac Fleetwood 60 Special. This is the same car that Elvis Presley painted pink, giving rise to the iconic phrase, “pink Cadillac.”

Titanic (1997)

“Titanic” is a fictionalized account of the sinking of the RMS Titanic, and stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. Upon its release, “Titanic” achieved critical and commercial success. Nominated for a show-stopping fourteen Academy Awards, it won in eleven categories, including the award for best picture. “Titanic” was the first film to reach the billion-dollar mark in ticket sales.

Photo: imcdb.org. The replica of the 1912 Renault 35CV used in “Titanic.”

The custom-built replica 1912 Renault 35CV was prominently featured in a memorable scene of the film. That scene. Remember? The hand on the window? Yes, that one.

]]>http://roadloans.com/blog/and-the-academy-award-for-best-car-goes-to/feed/0022015 RL And the Academy Award for Best Car goes to - featuredsonnybynum021915 RL And the Academy Award for Best Car goes to 1Academy Awards021915 RL And the Academy Award for Best Car goes to 2The State of Self-Driving Carshttp://roadloans.com/blog/the-state-of-self-driving-cars/
http://roadloans.com/blog/the-state-of-self-driving-cars/#commentsWed, 18 Feb 2015 20:12:48 +0000http://roadloans.com/?p=15072Read More]]>

Photo: cnet.com

As a young girl, I’m lucky to have had the opportunity to grow up and live in this modern age of technology. It seems as though everyday I hear of some new gadget hitting the stores, and each time the next is even more cutting-edge than the last.

I was amazed when I heard that a car could have a touch-screen display or administer hands-free phone calls. All this seems extremely trivial compared to the latest invention I have come across – self-driving cars.

When I first thought of the seemingly impossible idea of a car that could safely and effectively drive itself through a busy street, my grandma came to mind. Considering she barely lets me drive her around the block she lives on, I would love to hear what she has to say about this latest invention.

Our world has become driven and obsessed with technology, but it has also become a place of innovation and creativity that can potentially make our lives safer and easier. Many will wonder if these self-driven cars or machines can actually simulate, or even outperform, the capacities of a human.

Initially I was skeptical of the idea that a car could drive itself. But as I began to research and find out more about the technology behind it, I was pleasantly surprised with what I found. Companies like Audi and Google have privately performed test drives of these machines over and over again in the lab and are just now beginning to open up tests drives to the public.

Early reports from individuals who’ve been lucky enough to ride in these cars have begun to tell the whole world about their experiences. Participants claim that it’s not a wild, adrenaline-filled ride as one might expect. Instead, the cars are found to be extremely cautious on the road.

In fact, passengers even reported of being bored at times. A machine may seem extremely dangerous compared to the likes of a human brain, but safety records may suggest that having a person behind the wheel is not necessarily a safer bet.

As humans, we can get distracted or make a wrong move. Unfortunately, accidents can happen as a result. The creators of these cars are not only looking to make people’s lives easier, but to make the roads safer.

Regarding making our lives easier – people who maybe couldn’t drive due to certain physical limitations, may now have the opportunity to get behind the wheel with the help of these machines. We may also be able to multitask safely, like sending a text or eating our breakfast as we travel to work.

This technology has a ways to go before it is perfected, certain abilities such as exiting or merging onto highways or dealing with bad weather need some adjustment. Current versions have the driver taking over control whenever necessary, without resistance from the car.

Experts and developers are still working on perfecting the technology so that it can be potentially widespread in the coming years. From what I have read and heard, I think the opportunities that lie ahead could be extremely beneficial in so many ways. I also think that with a detailed explanation and the knowledge that “each car now collectively possesses 40 years of driving experience” (source: http://theoatmeal.com/blog/google_self_driving_car), my grandma may even be accepting of these new inventions.

]]>http://roadloans.com/blog/the-state-of-self-driving-cars/feed/0021815 RL The State of Self-Driving Cars - featuredmjmacesichself-driving carsTop 6 personalities you might encounter when buying or selling a vehiclehttp://roadloans.com/blog/top-6-personalities-you-might-encounter-when-buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/
http://roadloans.com/blog/top-6-personalities-you-might-encounter-when-buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/#commentsTue, 17 Feb 2015 22:30:12 +0000http://roadloans.com/?p=15057Read More]]>Honestly, whether you’re the person selling your car, or the person buying a car, as from a dealership or a private seller, the buyer-seller interpersonal dynamic is fraught with issues.

Is the experience really so bad? Nah. Most likely, things will turn out pretty much as expected, and you MIGHT have one or two lingering disappointments that you soon deal with or forget about.

But what are the troublesome personalities that you can look out for, and how do you deal with them?

Fear not. Answers are here.

The buyers

The hummm bug

She sounds interested, but has probably already moved on. She may even pester you with useless questions, so as not to hurt your feelings.

How to deal: ABC – always be closing. Focus on the goal, and take her comments with a grain of salt. She might buy, she might not. Just don’t waste too much time if her interest doesn’t seem genuine.

The tire kicker

This guy is very much like the hummm bug in that he seems interested. The difference is that he probably IS interested, but he just doesn’t really know what he’s looking for. So he does silly, unhelpful things like kick tires and run his finger along the contour lines.

How to deal: Since there’s really no harm in his analytical non-sequiturs, just answer his questions and give him some room. Don’t let him know that you know that he doesn’t know what he’s doing. Y’know?

The gear god

When it comes to cars, he’s seen and done it all, and nothing you say or show him will impress him in the slightest. In fact, he’s doing you a favor in even looking at your non-custom, non-vintage, non-performance vehicle.

How to deal: Get out of his way, and let him take his time. And when he tries to rope you into a conversation about some other cars he worked on for famous NASCAR racer _______, go back to ABC – always be closing.

The sellers

The velvet sledgehammer

He’s your best, most-relaxed friend. Until you get anywhere near a decision. This guy LIVES to close the deal.

How to deal: This guy can actually be VERY helpful. If it’s the right car for you, just read the fine print, take a moment to cover all your bases, and let him sprint you to the dotted line.

The power brow

This is the guy that gives honest, hard-working sales professionals a bad name. He seems easy to spot and avoid. The problem is that his ham-fisted approach hides something: it actually works! This guy can charm.

How to deal: Avoid him. Unless you’re a very skilled car buyer and seller, you’re better off working with someone else.

The juggler

This lady uses every psych-out trick in the book, especially “juggling,” where she’ll go overboard to try to convince you that another buyer is in competition for that perfect vehicle you just picked out, juggling time between the two (or more) of you, to make you feel like you have to act fast to get the vehicle. She doesn’t necessarily want to cheat anyone, but usually uses this tactic to get the sale over with.

How to deal: Let her have her fun, but don’t play along. Maybe there’s another buyer, maybe not. Just proceed at your own pace, with eyes open, covering every detail. Decide and buy on your own schedule.

]]>http://roadloans.com/blog/top-6-personalities-you-might-encounter-when-buying-or-selling-a-vehicle/feed/0021715 RL Top 6 personalities you might encounter when buying or selling a vehicle - featuredsonnybynumtop 6top 6021715 RL Top 6 personalities you might encounter when buying or selling a vehicle 3top 6top 6top 6Tips for traveling with petshttp://roadloans.com/blog/tips-for-traveling-with-pets/
http://roadloans.com/blog/tips-for-traveling-with-pets/#commentsFri, 13 Feb 2015 20:17:32 +0000http://roadloans.com/?p=15046Read More]]>I think most people would agree that going on a road trip alone is not as much fun as traveling with a companion. A great road trip buddy can help keep you company, break up the monotony and even offer some unexpected excitement. If you’ve ever hopped in a car with a pet feline or man’s best friend along for the ride, you know “unexpected” and “excitement” are part of your journey from Point A to Point B.

I have brought my own dogs, Scooby and Cash, on many road trips in the past and it’s always turned out to be a great experience. Many times I feared things wouldn’t work out and they would just pester me the whole time. But, without fail, it worked out to be the opposite of what I expected. Looking back, I’m convinced being prepared for this type of trip has helped create a smoother ride and kept pet problems to a minimum.

When considering taking an animal along on a road trip or vacation, give careful thought to the demands of such an endeavor. Remember, you are not alone; you need to pack for them too.

First thing to keep in mind: the duration of the trip. Portion out the food they need for each day, and then throw in a little extra just in case. Bring whatever accessories they need. Don’t forget their leash or litter box. Bring things they are familiar with like a bed or maybe their blanket. Throw in a few of their favorite toys to occupy and distract them as the trip goes along.

Something often forgotten, but definitely necessary, would be to bring a towel. Pets have a tendency to make a mess out of almost nothing; their food could go all over the car, they seem to find mud in some of the strangest places and you just never know where or when you might need to clean up.

Depending on what type of animal you bring along and the length of the trip, stops may or may not be necessary. With a cat or dog, bathroom breaks would be necessary and should include a bit of walking around and stretching of all your legs.

A suggestion from my own experience is that whenever you take a break, go to a park and throw a toy around. Or find an enclosed area where your pet can run for a few minutes. It will give them a little exercise and maybe even help wear them out. If I do this with my puppy, he will relax and sleep for much of the ride.

It’s not that much extra work to bring your little buddy with you, and trust me, it will turn a boring road trip into a fun adventure for you and your pet. Not to mention it can help keep your mind sharp and eliminate a bit of stress on the part of both you and your pet.

This weekend isn’t just about candy hearts and flowers – it’s the 2015 NBA All-Star weekend!

Here at RoadLoans, we know a little bit about matching celebrities and cars, so as the glamorous weekend full of sporting activities involving the world’s greatest basketball players approaches, we’re going to give our list of the 10 original 2015 NBA All-Star starters and the cars that we think about when we see them.

Western Conference

2011 Bentley Continental GT V8: An incredibly fast 4-wheel-drive beast that comes off the line with a quick release and one of the smoothest rides possible.

Point guard, Steph Curry, Golden State Warriors: Curry has probably one of the quickest and smoothest jump shots in the history of the game.

1998 Toyota Supra Twin Turbo: The Supra is a legendary, stylized supercar that has maintained a loyal following. They just don’t make cars like the Supra anymore.

Shooting guard, Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe is a living legend, and players these days just aren’t cut from the same cloth.

2015 Kia Optima: [see below]

Small forward, Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers: In this comparison … well, it just felt right.

2015 Chevy Camaro: The Camaro is a new and improved version of the classic muscle car, but it just doesn’t have the credentials of its older brother, the Corvette.

Power forward, Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies: Marc plays the game like a classic power forward, with the added abilities of the new and improved players of the position. But he still hasn’t quite reached the status of his big brother, Pau.

Any car with a Lyft mustache: [see below]

Center, Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans: Monobrow … mustache … kind of the same thing. Also, he has to carry his entire team, just like a Lyft service vehicle can carry a whole squad.

Eastern Conference

2015 Acura RLX: Not the most amusing car, but a car that can keep up in a foot race. Packing 310 horsepower it’s a sleeper that can sneak up on the competition.

Point guard, Kyle Lowry, Toronto Raptors: To the fans surprise, Kyle Lowry sneaked in, not only to his first all-star appearance, but also the starting lineup.

2011 BMW 1 Series M: The tiniest of BMW’s venerated M series, this car is incredibly quick, though not quite as famous as the M3.

Shooting guard, John Wall, Washington Wizards: One of the fastest point guards out there, Wall is just a little humbler than the rest when it comes to fame.

2015 Kia Soul: A lot of money is spent advertising these cars, but you don’t really see very many people driving them. Just hamsters.

Small forward, Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks: He’s well publicized, but not the playmaker that his image seems to suggest.

2017 Ford F-150 Raptor: This is a huge truck with incredible power AND speed; a combination of enormous muscle and the ability to put it to good use.

Power forward, LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron is one of the quickest guys on the court, and with size like that, his brand of speed is rare.

2015 Chevy Corvette: The big brother of the Chevy Camaro, the Corvette has been around longer, has more credentials and is better recognized.

]]>http://roadloans.com/blog/players-and-cars-the-2015-nba-all-star-players-and-the-cars-they-could-be/feed/0malamscusa021215 RL Players and Cars – The 2015 NBA All-Star players and the cars they could be 1021215 RL Players and Cars – The 2015 NBA All-Star players and the cars they could be 2021215 RL Players and Cars – The 2015 NBA All-Star players and the cars they could be 3021215 RL Players and Cars – The 2015 NBA All-Star players and the cars they could be 4021215 RL Players and Cars – The 2015 NBA All-Star players and the cars they could be 5021215 RL Players and Cars – The 2015 NBA All-Star players and the cars they could be 6021215 RL Players and Cars – The 2015 NBA All-Star players and the cars they could be 7021215 RL Players and Cars – The 2015 NBA All-Star players and the cars they could be 8021215 RL Players and Cars – The 2015 NBA All-Star players and the cars they could be 9021215 RL Players and Cars – The 2015 NBA All-Star players and the cars they could be 10021215 RL Players and Cars – The 2015 NBA All-Star players and the cars they could be 11021215 RL Players and Cars – The 2015 NBA All-Star players and the cars they could be 12021215 RL Players and Cars – The 2015 NBA All-Star players and the cars they could be 13021215 RL Players and Cars – The 2015 NBA All-Star players and the cars they could be 14021215 RL Players and Cars – The 2015 NBA All-Star players and the cars they could be 15021215 RL Players and Cars – The 2015 NBA All-Star players and the cars they could be 16021215 RL Players and Cars – The 2015 NBA All-Star players and the cars they could be 17021215 RL Players and Cars – The 2015 NBA All-Star players and the cars they could be 18021215 RL Players and Cars – The 2015 NBA All-Star players and the cars they could be 19021215 RL Players and Cars – The 2015 NBA All-Star players and the cars they could be 20021215 RL Players and Cars – The 2015 NBA All-Star players and the cars they could be 21Valentine’s Day car gifts for 2015http://roadloans.com/blog/valentines-day-car-gifts-for-2015/
http://roadloans.com/blog/valentines-day-car-gifts-for-2015/#commentsThu, 12 Feb 2015 16:13:03 +0000http://roadloans.com/?p=15009Read More]]>Let us help you get something for that special someone, for that object of love and affection in your life, for that beautiful soul – who drives a car.

Photo: CultofMac.com

Tile ($25) – The key to using a car is … well, the keys. And losing one’s keys can lead to losing one’s mind. What a difference having or losing such a tiny thing can make!

Among a field of similar offerings, the new GPS microtracker, Tile is a simple solution to a potentially disastrous problem. Simply attach the small tag to keys or any other item that it would be catastrophic to lose, and use the iOS or Android smartphone app to locate the tag, anywhere in the world. We won’t promise this will keep you from losing your keys, but we suspect that it will speed finding them again.

(NOTE: Though tagging your own children with the Tile device is not restricted, it would be in very poor taste. We feel as though we shouldn’t have to say that.)

Professional car detailing service (about $100-$200) – There’s nothing that says “I love you” like a gift that also implies “I want your car not to be so gross.”

Professional car detailing services often offer tiered packages for cleaning the inside, outside and even engines of cars, and some include affordable services that may be considered light car maintenance, like ensuring appropriate fluid levels and tire pressure. It takes all of the guesswork out of how much to clean, and gives your loved one their car in as good a condition as possible. And the first drive after having the vehicle detailed is like a gift all its own: pure luxury.

Premium sunglasses (up to $300) – We all know that proper eyewear is important to driving, but good sunglasses that are fun to wear can be expensive. It’s easy to overlook how much they’re appreciated when the need actually arises, especially if you live in a sunny climate or the driver in question spends a lot of daylight hours behind the wheel. Do yourself and your loved one a favor, and take them to a respected eyewear outlet to see what fits. It may just be the most useful gift you can buy them.

]]>http://roadloans.com/blog/valentines-day-car-gifts-for-2015/feed/0021215 RL Valentine's Day car gifts for 2015 featuredsonnybynumValentines Day 1Valentine's Day 2Valentine's Day 3Save lives by reducing distracted driving | Drive Safe 2015http://roadloans.com/blog/save-lives-by-reducing-distracted-driving-drive-safe-2015/
http://roadloans.com/blog/save-lives-by-reducing-distracted-driving-drive-safe-2015/#commentsMon, 09 Feb 2015 20:12:04 +0000http://roadloans.com/?p=14988Read More]]>Over the last hundred years, cars have transformed the way our society functions. Vast highways connect our lives to places and people that we love. RoadLoans helps people tap into this amazing resource by providing car loans and refinancing for auto loans. With easy access to a car, people have the ability to expand their world and the resources available to them. However, despite advancements in auto safety technology, there will always be the danger of human error.

As we move into 2015, it is important to reflect back on the previous year and evaluate ourselves from both a personal and societal perspective. Only by looking back can we see where we can improve. Please take a look at this infographic for ideas on how we can make the roads safer for everyone.

]]>http://roadloans.com/blog/save-lives-by-reducing-distracted-driving-drive-safe-2015/feed/0020915 RL Save lives by reducing distracted driving Drive Safe 2015 - featuredsonnybynumDrive Safe 2015Avoid these 7 mistakes when getting a car loanhttp://roadloans.com/blog/avoid-these-7-mistakes-when-getting-a-car-loan/
http://roadloans.com/blog/avoid-these-7-mistakes-when-getting-a-car-loan/#commentsTue, 03 Feb 2015 20:55:44 +0000http://roadloans.com/?p=14956Read More]]>For most people, buying a car is a big deal. It can signify a transition from one chapter of your life to the next. Or maybe you have finally saved enough money to purchase a vehicle and are ready to feel the pride that can come with driving a new car. No matter what the circumstances, it would probably be unwise to walk into a dealership looking to buy a new car like you would walk into a department store to buy a new pair of shoes. Here are some tips on what to do and what to avoid when buying a car:

Plan out your budget
Before even thinking about consulting a dealer, one should sit down and look at the options. First of all, you would need to plan out your budget. With the help of an auto loan calculator, you can enter your information and be guided on monthly payments and the overall costs of a vehicle. This calculator gives you a more realistic view of your financial responsibilities and limitations, which can also help you find loan options to support your budget.

Don’t forget preapproval
If you end up in need of a car loan, preapproval is suggested in order to avoid excessive future debt. RoadLoans offers preapproval in order to help clients walk into a dealership prepared and aware of their financial obligations.

Always do your homework
Researching financial options, prices and offers (from online stores to dealerships, buying new vs. used, etc.) is a useful step that can help you get a good sense of your options and help you save money. Although it may take time, it’s worth it in the long run.

Buying on your own time
A big mistake consumers often make is buying a car too soon. Maybe at the place in life you are at, you cannot afford to buy a new car. If that is the case, save up and wait it out. Don’t get yourself into more debt than you can afford.

Buying the right car for you
When you finally get a plan together and find a dealer, test-driving the car is an important extra step that may seem unnecessary to most. You may be buying a car for the name, look, or whatever reason, but you may not know how you feel while driving it. (From my own experience in studying advertising, the car will always look perfect for you in the ads.) You may end up not liking the style or setup of the car, and you would never know unless you take it for a test drive. You may think it will fit you, your family, and friends, yet when you sit in the front seat you realize it could pass as a clown car.

Avoid extra costs
When discussing with a dealer, make sure to ask about extra costs that may be hidden from you at the time of purchase. These little start-up fees or generally assumed costs (for example registration and documentation fees) may not be to your knowledge, and some dealers might not bring them to your attention.

Add-ons
Additional costs that can be unnecessary and cause you to lose money are add-ons. Most cars have options that seem to tailor to your needs, like a sunroof, display options, alloy wheels, heated seats, etc. However while some of these may be what you are looking for, you most likely do not need or will not use all of them. But, with sufficient research and a good dealer, you can walk out with a car that fits your needs and is a realistic fit for your budget.

UPDATED: Now that we are post-Bowl, we’re updating to show our favorites among the ads that actually aired.

The Super Bowl of football is also the Super Bowl of advertising. That’s right, it’s the Super Bowl of both. (What? Did you think I was going to call it the “Championship of advertising?” That would be dumb.)

Well, just like we loved doing last year for the World Cup, now we’re covering the car-related TV spots that aired during the biggest game of the year.

For car ads, here’s what we saw (and loved):

In our humble opinion, the pack leader is not by a car brand, but what could arguably be called a “big car business,” NASCAR. This ad, starring Nick Offerman, gets us riled up for some revved-up round-and-round.

BMW’s ad for the i3 plug-in electric was highly anticipated, and delivered with a pretty funny example of how fast technology changes.

Showing America, the beautiful, from sea to shining sea, and making us want to buy the wheels to take us through every part of it, Jeep gives a heartwarming rendition of “This Land is Your Land” the four-wheel-drive treatment with some pretty stunning visuals.

Nissan’s “Ball Prank” ad, created and perpetrated by veteran YouTube prankster Roman Atwood, was created to air during the game, but was pre-released on Youtube to get some early hype. In fact, it has actually trended so strongly that it was actually “old news” by the time it aired between downs.

Led before the big game by a lot of fun teaser videos, the Mercedes Benz Tortoise vs. Hare themed “Fable” ad is now being watched and rewatched by people with tiny fingers and the parents that love them.